In a recent study presented at the annual meeting of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, Dr. Kristin Skinner reported her findings that breast cancer patients had significantly lower levels of vitamin D compared to the control group.

In other words, vitamin D deficiency was more than twice as common in women undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

As we have discussed before, optimal levels of vitamin D is greater than 30ng/mL. Most institutions and medical practices recommend levels above 40ng/mL.

As you know, vitamin D is produced by the skin with exposure to sunlight. It can also be absorbed through foods and supplements.

People living in northern states generally have low levels of vitamin D because of the lack of exposure to sunlight. Low levels of vitamin D are also found in some individuals who protect their skin by wearing full clothing and sunscreen.

It is very important for both men and women individuals to have their vitamin D levels checked. Do you know your vitamin D levels? Be sure to ask your doctor to order the appropriate blood work to check your vitamin D levels.

If you are thinking about laser tattoo removal, one of your most pressing questions might be: "What does laser tattoo removal feel like?"

On the first visit, our clients tell us: "I have heard laser tattoo removal feels really bad! Is that true?" Or they often have read horror stories about the tattoo removal process from burning to blistering to scarring. It does not need to be that way!

The best way to describe laser tattoo removal is like someone taking a rubber band and snapping it at your skin. Unlike the lingering discomfort of a snapping rubber band, the discomfort from laser tattoo removal will generally last anywhere between 30-60 minutes, with most of the discomfort gone after 5 minutes. For most of our clients, by the time they are leaving our office, they don't feel any discomfort.We often have clients who come in during their lunch break to have the procedure done and then return back to work.

About 50% of our clients say the pain of laser tattoo removal is almost the same as getting a tattoo. 25% say the pain is less and 25% say it's more.

The reality is that each person's experience will be different because each person has a different tolerance level to pain. Women generally tend to tolerate the discomfort better than men. Why? Because women are used to tweezing, waxing, and if they are mothers, nothing can compare to the pain of child birth. Men generally do fine, but women tend to do better!

The area of body where laser tattoo removal is being done also makes a big difference. Tattoos on "thick" skin like the arms and shoulders can be lasered without much discomfort. It is areas where the skin is "thin", such as the neck, or areas where the tattoo is close to a bone where the pain is a bit more.

So what do we do to reduce the discomfort? We ice the area first before/during/and after the treatment. That tends to help a lot. Since we are also a medical practice and the physician is performing the laser tattoo removal, we can also use topical numbing medication or prescribe them for you.

The most important thing to consider is where you are going for your laser tattoo removal. Are you going to a "spa" where a tech or an assistant or a nurse is performing the procedure? Or are you going to a medical practice, where you are under the direct care of a physician? Ask who will be doing the procedure.Do you want to have laser surgery done by a tech?

If you are in the Orlando area and you are interested in having laser tattoo removal, call Pristine Laser Center today to set up a complimentary consultation. Our physician will meet with you to discuss the tattoo removal process and answer any questions which you may have. Call 407-494-0404 today!